‘03 or later, gets you a glovebox and glass rear window. If you plan to do weekend roadtrips I’d go for an S, to get the 6-speed and a few more HP.

You’re also in 911 996 Cabriolet range (~$18k this time of year).

Funny, I was in the same situation. Ended up with an inexpensive Mazda 3 after my divorce, but after getting past that, I did just as you suggested: IN 2019, I bought a 2006 Porsche Boxster with 40k miles on it for about $23k. (The sale woman messed up the paperwork and accidentally wrote $13k. The front office approved it. I was driving home with the car and she was blowing up my phone, begging me to come back and write her a check for $10k. I politely declined. She fired off an expletive-laden rant, and everyone lived happily ever after. Lol! But, I digress).

I love the car. In 2020, I also bought a Macan GTS. But, the Boxster has become my daily driver (unless it snows, then I drive the Macan). It’s fun to drive (I have a manual transmission) and my fiancée and I love to drop the top and go out to a winery. If you can afford it, it’s the best little fun car to drive. Highly recommend. Even as a 2006, people tell me “Great car!” Just about every day.

My 2000 Boxster S remains the most beloved material possession I have ever had. 🥰

I just bought a 2024 Boxster S based on my experience with my family’s Boxster from the 1990s. My family has had Porsches (911s) from mid 60s till today. I learned to drive when I was 14 in a 911. But the two cars I enjoyed most are the Alfa Romeo roadster from prior 2000 and the Boxster. I love the roadster type cars.

The Mazdas are hugely underrated. Alfa Romeos dont sell roadsters in US right now, so I was deciding between MX5 and Boxster (I dont want any comments on this!!! I really liked the MX5). I had my wife drive both thinking she would tell me to get the MX5 just becaise of price. But no. She just looked at me like “are you crazy, get the Boxster.”

So yes. Go for it. And have fun.

I had an 02 Boxster S and I absolutely loved it. That said, don’t buy a car without getting a PPI from a Porsche specialist.

2003, with the glass rear window and actual glovebox, is great fun to drive. I had it checked by a former Porsche factory mechanic after purchase and he checked it over thoroughly, as I was worried about the IMS and the engine itself. Clean bill of health. Almost at 100k miles and have done water pump, alternator, fuel pump, rear wheel bearings, upgraded brakes, and tires. The permanently bonded rear glass window became fully detached from the top, so I have a new top in the box for installation. I prefer the Boxster over other Porsches for fun top down, including a 911 Cab. $15,000 should get a good one, leaving you a repairs fund.

There are CPO 986’s at that price point, but if you’re willing to fix one up or pay to maintain it, you can get in to one cheaper than that for sure.

r/boxster

IMHO best money/fun ratio available out there. let me know if you find something comparable, I’m looking too 😄

(obv contenders are nissan s2000 and your miata)

First car I ever bought was a 2000 arena red boxster for $9k. Put 40k miles on it before losing it in a snow storm.

It was hands down the most fun I had. It certainly was t the fastest, but I learned how to drive manual with it, had a blast canyon carving, and it didn’t have power that scared you to the point of backing off. I took my 996 through deals gap and swore I’d never do it again as it was reckless and dangerous. Did the same drive later on either my WRX STi and felt fine.

In terms of reliability, I wrenched myself, if you’re patient and willing to learn (possibly get a few odd boxster-specific tools) you’ll have no issues either maintenance on yourself barring any catastrophic issues.

I’d say go for it!

They’re good, fun cars. Won’t blow your socks off and the 986 interiors are probably falling apart in areas but you could get a pretty good one with that budget. You could possibly find a decent 996 in that price range as well

I love my 98 (Arctic Silver / hardtop) ! Only three months into ownership & here I am.